BUFFALO, NY - Canisius University posted another strong showing in U.S. News & World Report's annual rankings of America's "Best Colleges" for 2026. The university earned recognition in multiple categories among regional universities in the North, including Best Colleges, Best Value Schools, Best Undergraduate Teaching Programs and Best Colleges for Veterans. Additionally, the university’s undergraduate accounting program ranked among the top 10 percent of all U.S. undergraduate accounting programs in the country, and in the top 25 percent of all AACSB-accredited accounting programs.
"Canisius University's consistent placement among top institutions reflects our progress toward becoming the premier university for student success," says President Steve Stoute. "These rankings validate our commitment to providing transformative educational experiences that prepare our students to lead and make a meaningful impact - both in their careers and their communities."
Canisius secured the No. 32 position in the Best Colleges category among Regional Universities in the North. This comprehensive ranking evaluates 165 four-year, bachelor's degree-granting institutions across multiple measures of academic excellence. The methodology assesses student outcomes, including first-year retention rates, graduation rates, and post-graduate success, as well as faculty resources like the number of full-time faculty and student-faculty ratio. The ranking also incorporates peer assessment from academic leaders nationwide, who evaluate key aspects of institutional quality such as innovative teaching and overall institutional health.
In the category for Best Value Schools, Canisius placed No. 5 among 70 regional universities in the North that were evaluated, marking the university's 10th consecutive year earning this recognition. The ranking recognizes schools that deliver exceptional academic quality relative to their net cost for students with financial need. The methodology weighs academic quality against affordability, considering factors such as the percentage of students receiving need-based aid, the proportion of aid offered as grants and scholarships rather than loans, and the average discount off the total sticker price for students receiving financial assistance.
Canisius earned the No. 20 position for Best Undergraduate Teaching among Regional Universities North, a ranking that focuses on schools whose faculty and administrators are committed to teaching undergraduate students in a high-quality manner. This recognition is determined through peer assessment, where college presidents, provosts, and admissions deans nominate institutions they believe demonstrate teaching excellence and a remarkably strong faculty commitment to high-quality undergraduate instruction.
“Our faculty - and the way they invest in students - is what distinguishes a Canisius University education," continues President Stoute. "They challenge students academically, mentor them personally and prepare them to lead with purpose. I am grateful for their commitment to supporting our students in achieving their full potential."
Canisius also earned recognition as a No. 14 Best College for Veterans among Regional Universities in the North. The distinction highlights the university's commitment to making higher education accessible and affordable for those who have served our country. Institutions on this list are certified for the GI Bill® and participate in the Yellow Ribbon Program, ensuring veterans and active-duty service members can pursue their degrees with meaningful financial support and academic opportunities.
In a significant recognition of program excellence, the university's undergraduate accounting program earned national recognition, ranking No. 50 among AACSB-accredited business programs nationwide. This places Canisius in the top 25% of approximately 195 institutions with AACSB-accredited accounting programs across the country.
This national recognition reflects the strength of a program that consistently produces top performers on the New York State CPA exam and maintains job placement rates at or near 100%. The Canisius accounting program offers multiple pathways, including a five-year professional accounting degree that meets educational requirements for CPA licensure. Additionally, courses are taught by full-time faculty who bring real-world experience as accounting and tax professionals to the classroom.
“The U.S. News rankings are another measure of how Canisius University is answering the call to put student success at the center of everything we do,” President Stoute concludes. “They reflect the progress we’ve made and reinforce our commitment to broadening opportunities for students, deepening our impact in Western New York and strengthening Canisius for the future."
U.S. News publishes the Best Colleges rankings each year to provide prospective students and their families with the comparative merits of the undergraduate programs at America’s colleges and universities. The rankings offer detailed information of the institutions and data on factors such as graduation rates, graduate indebtedness and post-graduate earnings.
U.S. News & World Report is the global leader for journalism that empowers consumers, citizens, business leaders and policy officials to make confident decisions in all aspects of their lives and communities. A multifaceted media company, U.S. News provides unbiased rankings, independent reporting and analysis, and consumer advice to millions of people on USNews.com each month.
Canisius was founded in 1870 in Buffalo, NY, and is one of 27 Jesuit colleges and universities in the U.S. Consistently ranked among the top institutions in the Northeast, Canisius offers undergraduate, graduate and pre-professional programs distinguished by close student-faculty collaboration, mentoring and an emphasis on ethical, purpose-driven leadership.
